Unit 57 – Task 3 – Photographer Research Essay

By Chelsie Brandrick

Niki Gorick is a UK based fine art photographer specialising in black and white

images of London. She trained at the Montreal School of Photography and her 20-

year career has spanned journalism, television camerawork and scriptwriting. She

now focuses on photographing London as she “aims to capture the true character of

the city from its famous landmarks to its vibrant street-life.” She is famous for taking

black and white photos of London and selling them in limited edition batches. Niki is

currently artist-in-residence and exhibiting at the Guildhall, City of London. Her

photographs are in both private and corporate collections, including those of the

Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Sir Terence Conran, Grosvenor House Hotel, P&O

Cruises, the Intercontinental Park Lane and the Royal Garden Hotel Kensington.

I have chosen to research this photographer as her black and white style is simplistic

but manages to showcase London and its landmarks extremely well. I find her images

capturing and I think Niki has an eye for a good photo as they are often taken from

unusual angles. The black and white style sets Niki’s work apart from the rest of

landmark photography and creates nostalgia for the viewer. Niki also photographs

London’s landmarks from unusual positions so the audience doesn’t necessarily

recognise the location at first, which is a unique way of promoting these locations.

These photos are my favourite as they are different from all the previous versions of

the photo taken by other

photographers. The angles are

similar to those a tourist would

have whilst exploring London for

the first time, which enables

tourists to relate to her work and

residents of London to reminisce.

The black and white filter isn’t too

dark so the photos are presented as reflective rather than oppressive. Niki’s shots

represent and convey the whole essence of London.

These photos relate to my project as I wish to take pictures of London’s famous

landmarks for ‘The London Magazine’ to promote and provide entertainment for

those who are interested in London. After researching Niki Gorick’s photos I now

know I want to experiment with different angles and subject matter when I am taking

my photos around the city. Her photos are creative, unique and simulate positive

emotions from the audience; I wish to use her concept of famous landmarks shown

differently when I create my photos. I will be taking my photos in colour rather than

black and white but I shall keep Niki’s idealism and shots in my mind which will

hopefully improve and diversify my content from what is already out there.